Visitors from around the world are heading to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park around Cairns this week to get a rare glimpse of the total solar eclipse.

Many islands offshore Cairns are among the best locations to view the solar eclipse. They’re also home to nesting seabirds that can be easily disturbed by people, particularly before sunrise.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Director Jon Day said it was important visitors were aware of the environment around them when making the most of this rare opportunity.

“Everyone has a role to play in protecting marine environment for the future, so please take care when choosing a vantage point for the solar eclipse,” he said.

“Our islands and reefs are teeming with marine life and it’s important we look after them.

“At Low Isles, there is no access to the island between sunset and sunrise and this applies year-round to all tourist operators and recreational visitors.

“Small groups of visitors are able to use a mooring in the area to take in the eclipse at this location.

“Visitors should also check with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in case there are restrictions at other offshore islands.”

Low Isles is a Commonwealth island located off the coast from Port Douglas, attracting thousands of visitors each year to snorkel the surrounding reef and enjoy the island’s natural and heritage values.

“Cairns is amongst the most visited areas of the Great Barrier Reef and it’s easy to see why — it’s a beautiful part of the world with amazing marine life and important historical sites,” Mr Day said.

“We are also lucky to have nesting seabirds at this time of year so let’s look after them.”